State Withdraws Emergency Status Of Fertilizer Rules

Maryland's Agriculture Department says it has
withdrawn its request to seek emergency status on proposed regulations on
fertilizer use aimed at reducing Chesapeake Bay pollution.

The department announced it was pulling back
the request on Monday. That's two days before a legislative panel was scheduled
to take up the proposal.

According to officials, the department sought
emergency status in order to get the regulations in place in time for the fall
planting season. The regulations are designed to use new research to reduce the
amount of phosphorous that gets into waterways.

Secretary Buddy Hance says the department
will meet with stakeholders and resubmit the proposal next month.

Critics contend the regulations would prevent
farmers from using locally produced organic fertilizer.